How to Fix a Slumping Couch

Instead of turning your sagging sofa into a dog bed, fix it so it no longer slumps.

You might feel yourself sinking deeper into your couch than you did when it was new, making it hard to get comfortable and difficult to get off of. If the couch frame still feels sturdy with no wobbling or creaking as your sit down and move around, there are some easy fixes to shore up the base of the couch and add firmness to your cushions.

Base

1

Remove the cushions from the couch.

2

Measure the base of the couch, where the cushions rest. The springs in the base are likely worn out and not springing back correctly, which can lead to the couch slumping.

3

Put on gloves and safety goggles. Mark a sheet of plywood with the couch base's dimensions using a pencil and straightedge. Feed the plywood into a table saw, cutting along the marks.

4

Sand the edges of the plywood to remove jagged pieces that could stick into the couch fabric or hurt someone sitting on the couch.

5

Lay the cut plywood on the base of the couch. Place the couch cushions on top of the plywood.

Cushions

1

Measure the length and width of the couch cushions. If the couch still sags after adding plywood, the foam in the cushions could be worn out.

2

Cut two pieces of foam padding to the dimensions of the cushion using scissors or a utility knife. Start with 1/2-inch foam; you can add more later if necessary.

3

Unzip the cover of the couch cushion, then slide a piece of foam padding under the existing padding. Slide the second piece on top of the existing padding, then zip up the cover. Repeat with remaining cushions.

4

Place the cushions on the couch and sit on them to test them. If the cushions still sag, add more layers of foam inside the cushion covers until the cushions have the correct resiliency. If necessary, remove the existing foam and replace it entirely with layers of new foam.

Things You Will Need

Measuring tape

Gloves

Safety goggles

Straightedge

Table saw

Sandpaper

Foam padding

Scissors

Utility knife

Tip

When cutting the foam to fit your couch cushions, use a single piece of foam for each layer. If you slide two smaller pieces of foam in beside each other, it creates a weak spot in the layer that could lead to sagging in the future.

About the Author

Based outside Atlanta, Ga., Shala Munroe has been writing and copy editing since 1995. Beginning her career at newspapers such as the "Marietta Daily Journal" and the "Atlanta Business Chronicle," she most recently worked in communications and management for several nonprofit organizations before purchasing a flower shop in 2006. She earned a BA in communications from Jacksonville State University.